Former law enforcement officers Joshua Hartfield and Brett McAlpin, two of the six Mississippi officers involved in the torture of two Black men, are set to be sentenced on Thursday in federal court in Jackson. The hearings have been filled with emotional testimonies detailing the horrific brutality inflicted by a self-proclaimed “Goon Squad” of deputies. Victims Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins have come face-to-face with their tormentors, recounting a nightmare of racially motivated beatings, torture, sexual assaults, and even a mock execution.

The sentencing began with former deputy Christian Dedmon receiving the harshest sentence of 40 years in prison for committing the most shocking and brutal acts imaginable. Another former deputy, Daniel Opdyke, was sentenced to over 17 years in prison. Former deputies Hunter Elward and Jeffrey Middleton were also sentenced to 20 years and 17 1/2 years in prison, respectively.

The six former officers pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. Elward also pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The officers raided a home in Braxton without a warrant, subjected the two Black men to racist vitriol, used Tasers on them after they were handcuffed, beat them with various objects, and shot Jenkins in the mouth.

The victims' attorney, Malik Shabazz, described the sentencing as a historic moment for victims of police brutality and abuse. Dedmon, described as sexually perverted and oppressive, addressed the court before sentencing, expressing regret for his actions but failing to directly address the victims.

Opdyke, visibly emotional, apologized to the victims in court, expressing deep regret for the pain and suffering he caused. He was also ordered to undergo mental health treatment and pay restitution to the victims. Opdyke's attorneys argued for a lighter sentence due to his history of abuse as a child.

During the sentencing, it was revealed that Opdyke was the officer who turned over incriminating text messages from the “Goon Squad” group chat, which aided in the investigation. The victims, Jenkins and Parker, expressed forgiveness towards the former officers, despite the trauma they endured.

The sentencing of these former officers marks a significant moment in the fight against police brutality and abuse, with victims finally seeing justice served for the atrocities committed against them.